International Men’s Day: Menopause in women is well known and openly talked about. Most women know that, as they reach midlife, their hormones will change and they may face physical and emotional symptoms. But for men, things are very different. Many men do not know that they also go through a midlife hormonal change. It is slower, and often ignored.
This change is called andropause. It does not happen suddenly like menopause. Instead, it happens slowly over many years as testosterone levels drop. As the changes are mild at first, many men do not realise that their mood, energy, or memory issues may be linked to hormones.
A slow decline in testosterone
“Andropause is not sudden. It is a slow decrease in testosterone,” said Dr. Alok Kumar Jha, Senior Consultant – Urology at Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital, Faridabad Sector 20. “These changes start small, but over time men begin noticing differences in mood, energy, and daily functioning.”
According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, based on the European Male Ageing Study (EMAS), testosterone levels naturally drop by around 1 per cent per year after the age of 30–35. Nearly 30 per cent of men over 50 show signs of testosterone deficiency reveals study published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Mood and emotional changes
One of the most noticeable effects of andropause is mood change. Testosterone helps regulate stress and emotional balance. As levels fall, the body becomes slower at stabilizing after stress.
“Men may feel more irritable, less motivated, or simply tired,” Dr. Jha said. “Some lose interest in activities they once enjoyed. These changes are linked to real chemistry in the brain.”
According to a study published in The Aging Male, low testosterone is associated with increased fatigue, irritability, and mild depressive symptoms.
Impact on memory and focus
Testosterone also helps support concentration and recall, as when levels drop, men may forget things, feel mentally slow, or struggle to focus.
According to a study published in the Journal of Neuroscience, declining testosterone in older men is linked with slower cognitive processing and reduced working memory.
‘Andropause is not an illness’
Doctors explain that andropause is not an illness. It is a normal stage of ageing. Many men continue to stay mentally sharp and emotionally stable with the right habits.
Research published in the Journal of Urology shows that regular exercise, good sleep, weight control, and stress management help support healthy testosterone levels.
“When men understand andropause, they realize the changes are normal,” said Dr. Jha. “With healthy habits and routine check-ups, they can maintain energy, mood, and quality of life.”
